“We did really well with that. The next-best total in Florida was 41 or 42,” Lee said. “Normally we pick up about five or six players who want to continue on and play during the season. There is a buzz around here for hockey.”

Having the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Ice Flyers in Pensacola adds to it.

“It keeps hockey in the forefront,” Lee said. “We also have coaches who truly care about the kids. We want them to have fun, learn the sport and develop as players.”

Lee, a native of Boston, has been in Florida for almost five years. He got his two children involved with the Ice Flyers right away and has seen the participation numbers grow from 80 to 130 in the time he has been around.

This season, the Junior Ice Flyers have two 8-and-under teams, a 10-and-under house and travel team and a 12-and-under travel team.

Read the full story in the Jan. 21 edition of Navarre Press or subscribe online here.